Dubious Dick wrote: Let's hope that REF can move forward and find a way to grow.

I doubt it. JREF was always a one-man show and it seems to have been losing staff recently. Without Randi or a forum and with nobody taking the Challenge in ages, what's the point? Skepticism is bigger and better and more diverse now than it was 20 years ago. Thanks, in part, to Randi. Is there really any value in his foundation struggling on without him?

Dubious Dick wrote: Let's hope that REF can move forward and find a way to grow.

I doubt it. JREF was always a one-man show and it seems to have been losing staff recently. Without Randi or a forum and with nobody taking the Challenge in ages, what's the point? Skepticism is bigger and better and more diverse now than it was 20 years ago. Thanks, in part, to Randi. Is there really any value in his foundation struggling on without him?

may be a fair point, though the brand still has some mileage I think. A renewal/revival of the MDC may be a good way forward. Guess to make headway it would need a substantial figurehead/leader.

I imagine we might see just how big a part Randi has played in developing a bigger, better and more diverse skeptical movement as we see tributes pour in over the next few days from substantial figures who have been inspired by him and his works. Can certainly say that my involvement in skepticism, and please note I am not claiming to be a susbtantial figure!!!!, was stimulated by encountering the JREF online.

Since James Randi's retirement earlier this year, the Board has considered how to continue the Foundation without his direct involvement.

The Board has decided that it will convert the foundation into a grant making foundation.

Starting in 2016, we will be making grants to non-profit groups that we believe are promoting activities that encourage critical thinking and a fact-based world view. We expect to make a small number of grants each year totaling approximately $100,000 per year. We will NOT accept suggestions, applications or proposals for these grants. We hope they will come as a pleasant surprise to the recipients, just as Randi's MacArthur foundation grant was a pleasant surprise to him.

As we will only be making grants in the future, we think it appropriate to stop accepting memberships and donations. Any donations received before December 31, 2015 will be tax deductible.

We plan on continuing the Million Dollar Challenge as a means for educating the public about paranormal claims, but the process for consideration of claims has been changed effective September 1, 2015. No application submitted under the previous procedures or relying in whole or in part on the previously published terms of the Challenge will be considered.

Over the years, we have spent a great deal of time dealing with claims ranging from yet another dowsing claim to some VERY eccentric and untestable claims. The overwhelming majority refused to fill out the application or even state a claim that can be tested. Some of them show up in person and demand to be tested while they wait. We can no longer justify the resources to interact with these people.

Effective immediately, JREF will no longer accept applications directly from people claiming to have a paranormal power. Previously available Application Forms shall not be used and will be rejected without any review of the contents. We anticipate providing minimum required protocols for the preliminary test early next year. No one should make any effort to pursue the Challenge until those minimum required protocols are issued. The only exception is that any established psychic may contact JREF via email to be tested directly (preferably with an independent, third party TV crew.)

It's been a great nineteen years and we thank you for your interest and support.